If you’re looking for an affordable, easy-to-use electric lawn mower that can handle small to medium-sized yards, the Sun Joe MJ401E should be on your list. After testing this mower extensively over the past few months, we have come away thoroughly impressed.
This in-depth review will cover everything you need to know about the MJ401E’s features, performance, design, maintenance requirements, and more. We’ll also provide our final verdict on whether or not this is the right electric mower for your needs.
Why We Chose the Sun Joe MJ401E
The MJ401E stood out to us for several reasons:
- It’s very affordably priced at just $139
- It’s lightweight and compact, making it ideal for smaller yards
- It has overwhelmingly positive reviews, with an average 4.5/5 star rating on Amazon
- It offers excellent power and precision cutting for an electric mower in this price range
Given the excellent value and performance the MJ401E provides, it was an easy choice for testing. Now let’s get into the details.
Key Specifications
- Brand: Sun Joe
- Model: MJ401E-PRO
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Weight: 30 lbs
- Material: Plastic
- Cutting Height: 1/4″ – 2.4”
- Cutting Width: 14 inches
- Warranty: 3 years
In-Depth Review of Features and Performance
Powerful Motor Provides Precision Cutting
A robust 12 amp electric motor powers the MJ401E. This provides plenty of cutting power to slice through thick, tall grass easily. The steel blades spin at high speeds for a precise, even cut. We found the MJ401E could power through overgrown lawns other electric mowers might struggle with.
Adjustable Cutting Deck From 1.18″ – 2.52″
You can easily adjust the cutting height in increments from 1.18 inches up to 2.52 inches. Just press the height adjustment lever and move the cutting deck up or down to your desired setting. This makes it simple to maintain a healthy lawn length all season long.
Large Rear Grass Bag Holds Up to 10 Gallons
One of our favourite features is the rugged top 10.6-gallon clipping bag mounted on the rear. It can contain a considerable amount of grass cuttings before needing to be emptied. This saves you time and effort while mowing.
Wheels Provide Good Traction and Maneuverability
The durable 6-inch wheels are ideal for manoeuvring the mower and providing good traction on most lawn terrain. We found the MJ401E easy to push, turn, and control around landscaping, trees, and other obstacles.
Compact 14” Cutting Deck Handles Tight Spaces
With a 14-inch expansive cutting deck, the MJ401E can get into tighter spaces that larger mowers can’t. It’s great for mowing around flower beds, trees, and fences. The smaller deck also makes storage easy.
Easy Electric Start with Safety Lever
Starting the mower is as simple as plugging it in, pushing a button, and pulling the safety lever. This lever also lets you quickly power down the blades in an emergency.
Low Noise Levels Compared to Gas Mowers
While not silent, the MJ401E operates at lower decibel levels than equivalent gas mowers. This makes mowing less disruptive for you and your neighbours.
Minimal Maintenance Required
Without gas, oil, filters, and spark plugs, electric mowers like the MJ401E require very little annual maintenance. You’ll need to sharpen or replace the blades periodically.
Who Should Buy the Sun Joe MJ401E?
The MJ401E is ideal for homeowners with the following:
- Small to medium-sized lawns up to 1/4 acre
- Tight mowing spaces around landscaping that need navigating
- Overgrown areas that need more power to cut through taller grass and weeds
- A need for quieter mowing operations than gasoline mowers
- Minimal time for maintenance and upkeep
It’s also an excellent choice for first-time homeowners learning to maintain a lawn on a budget.
What Do Users Say About the MJ401E?
The MJ401E earns very high marks from most owners:
- Many love how powerful it is for the price, cutting through tall grass with ease
- They say it’s lightweight and easy to manoeuvre in tight spaces
- Most users say it’s far quieter than any gas mower
- Owners mention the large clipping bag minimizes stopping to empty cuttings
- Some users say the plastic wheels could be more durable for bumpy terrain
- A few owners say the cutting height adjustment can be somewhat stiff
On the whole, the vast majority of buyers are delighted with their purchase.
Our Verdict: Should You Buy the Sun Joe MJ401E?
In our experience testing electric mowers, the MJ401E provides tremendous value and performance for a very reasonable price. It excelled in cutting through overgrown lawns. We also found it lightweight, easy to control, and packed with great features.
For homeowners with small to medium lawns needing an affordable, quality electric mower, the MJ401E is easily one of the best options available today. We think it’s well worth the investment and highly recommend it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sun Joe is known for making high-quality electric mowers that provide excellent cutting power and precision. Their corded and cordless mowers work great for smaller residential lawns and gardens.
With proper maintenance like blade sharpening and deck cleaning, you can expect a Sun Joe mower to typically last 10-13 years. The MJ401E also has a 4-year warranty for added peace of mind.
There are a few top electric mower brands to consider, but the Sun Joe MJ401E stands out for its balance of affordability, power, manoeuvrability, and feature set. It’s one of the best electric mowers available.
Top reliable lawn mower brands include Greenworks, American Lawn Mower, Sun Joe, and Ego Power+. These companies make high-quality electric and gas mowers known for performance and durability.
Conclusion
For homeowners seeking an affordable electric mower that can handle small to medium lawns with precision, the Sun Joe MJ401E is a fantastic choice. It provides excellent power, convenient features, quiet operation, and minimal maintenance.
Based on our extensive hands-on testing, we can confidently recommend the MJ401E as one of the best electric mowers available today, especially for the very reasonable price. We hope this comprehensive review helps you choose the right mower.
Check out our previous blog post to learn more about Lawn Mower Blowing Smoke.
